Samuelson Bros. No.1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Samuelson Bros.


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Summary

No.1 is a privately owned earth dam located on the TR CHEYENNE river in Meade, South Dakota. Built in 1958 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a length of 430 feet, providing a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet. With a maximum discharge capacity of 2000 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a vital role in water resource management in the area.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and not yet rated for its condition, Samuelson Bros. No.1 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The dam serves a primary purpose that is not specified, but its role in regulating water flow and storage is crucial for the surrounding area. In the event of an emergency, the dam's emergency action plan status is not provided, indicating a potential area for improvement in terms of preparedness.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Samuelson Bros. No.1 offers an intriguing case study in dam construction and management. With its historical significance dating back to the late 1950s, this dam continues to play a key role in water storage and regulation in Meade, South Dakota. As efforts to address aging infrastructure and climate-related challenges intensify, the importance of maintaining and updating dams like Samuelson Bros. No.1 becomes increasingly evident in ensuring water security and resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

430

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR CHEYENNE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

120

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.